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In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has openly acknowledged that the threat of an Indian military strike remains imminent. Speaking in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, Asif admitted that Pakistan is on high alert and ready for any conflict, although nuclear weapons would only be used under extreme circumstances.

Addressing the growing concerns in an interview to Geo News, Asif initially stirred panic by suggesting that a war could break out in the next two to three days. However, he later clarified his stance, saying, "The next three to four days are important, but I did not say that war would erupt within three days. The Indian Army could still launch an attack as the threat exists."

The post-Pahalgam tensions have seen a sharp increase in military activities on both sides. India's armed forces have reportedly drawn up a coordinated land, air, and sea strategy to deliver a decisive blow to Pakistan's terror infrastructure. Meanwhile, Pakistan has shut down its airspace between Islamabad and Lahore until April 30, underlining the seriousness of the threat.

Pakistani Army in Disarray

The looming possibility of an Indian offensive has also triggered unprecedented chaos within the Pakistani Army. In a shocking development, it was reported that around 5,000 troops and officers have resigned in the last few days. According to a letter from Lieutenant General Umar Ahmad Bukhari to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, about 1,450 soldiers, including 250 officers, have stepped down within just 72 hours.

The mass resignations include:

• 520 personnel from the 12th Corps Quetta,

• 380 personnel from the Force Command Northern Areas, and

• 550 personnel from the First Corps Mangla.

The resignations highlight the low morale and rising panic within Pakistan's military ranks amid growing fears of a potential conflict with India.

India Gears Up for Strategic Action

On the Indian side, preparations have intensified. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the overall military readiness in a high-level meeting that lasted nearly 40 minutes. Prior to this, Singh held exhaustive consultations with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

Sources suggest that PM Modi has given a clear directive: the masterminds of terrorism must be eliminated completely. The Indian armed forces are believed to have finalized a coordinated response strategy that could involve simultaneous action on multiple fronts — a move designed to overwhelm and isolate Pakistan diplomatically and militarily.

Pahalgam Attack: The Flashpoint

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam — a scenic location in Jammu and Kashmir — became the flashpoint for the current crisis. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, was widely blamed on Pakistan-backed terror outfits operating across the border. Since then, India has taken a tough posture, with strong indications that it will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism.

The Pahalgam incident has already led to:

• Massive public outrage across India,

• Heightened border deployments,

• Strategic air patrols near sensitive zones, and

• International diplomatic outreach to isolate Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Nuclear Rhetoric

While Khawaja Asif attempted to calm fears by stating that nuclear weapons would be used only if Pakistan's existence is threatened, his comments have done little to ease regional concerns. Nuclear rhetoric has always been a sensitive subject in South Asia, and such statements tend to further fuel anxieties rather than reduce them.

Analysts point out that Pakistan's internal chaos — compounded by mass army resignations and economic turmoil — could further weaken its defensive capabilities, especially if India chooses a precise and limited strike strategy aimed at terror infrastructure rather than conventional war.

Global Reactions and Regional Fallout

The rising tensions have already attracted international attention. Several countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, have urged restraint and advised both nations to de-escalate. However, diplomatic sources believe that India is determined to pursue a strong punitive response, and Pakistan's internal instability may not deter New Delhi this time.

In Islamabad, panic buying of essentials and long queues at petrol stations have been reported, as ordinary citizens brace for the possibility of a full-blown confrontation. Meanwhile, media outlets in Pakistan are rife with both speculation and misinformation, further deepening the public anxiety.

Conclusion

The post-Pahalgam developments have dramatically altered the security landscape of South Asia. While both sides continue to maintain a semblance of diplomatic decorum, military preparations suggest otherwise.

With Pakistan’s defence minister admitting the imminent threat and the Pakistani Army struggling with mass resignations, India appears to be firmly in control of the narrative. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy prevails or if the region witnesses yet another military showdown.

Regardless of the outcome, the message from New Delhi is clear: the era of tolerating cross-border terrorism with impunity might finally be over.

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